Cleveland Browns GM Under Fire Amidst Ongoing Deshaun Watson Struggles: Evaluating Franchise Impact

Wednesday, November 6th, 2024

Andrew Berry, who serves as the General Manager of the Cleveland Browns, did not provide clarity on Deshaun Watson's future with the team following Watson's Achilles tendon injury, which has ended his season. Berry emphasized that the primary focus is on Watson's recovery from this injury.

Prior to his injury, Watson was the subject of criticism due to his low Total QBR and the Browns' underwhelming offensive performance. Berry pointed out that the issues with the offense were not solely Watson's responsibility, emphasizing the need for a team-wide approach to improving their performance.

Despite the challenges posed by Watson's injuries and legal issues, Berry voiced complete support for coach Kevin Stefanski's earlier decision to start Watson in games. He emphasized that acquiring Watson was a decision made collaboratively by the team's leadership.

The Browns now face a challenging financial situation with Watson's contract obligations. They are committed to paying him $46 million over the next two seasons, with substantial cap hits looming for the years 2025 and 2026. If they were to release Watson, it would result in considerable dead cap charges.

Following a successful 2021 season, the Browns are encountering difficulties this year, holding a record of 2-7. Jameis Winston has stepped in as the quarterback, and offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey has taken on the role of calling plays.

Berry avoided making a definitive statement about Watson's role as a starter in the future, stating it is still a possibility. He refrained from assessing the trade for Watson, choosing instead to keep the focus on current issues.

Related Links

• Cleveland Browns News & Updates
• Cleveland Browns Schedule & Scores
• NFL News